On December 28th our dear brother in Christ and friend, Alain Derisse, departed this world, due to a tragic accident just one step from his home. He was a dedicated husband, father, teacher and gospel preacher.

Alain leaves behind a wife, Eliane and five children; Alainson (22), Alande (16), Alyssa (15), Alains (13), and Alain (4). As you can see, each of the children is named after their father.

Christians in Haiti have helped with the cost of burial. The funds raised through this campaign will allow Eliane to focus on her children during the trying time. The funds will allow the family to have an income for an entire year. Thank you in advance for your help.

Brother Alain graduated in the first class at the Center of Biblical Training in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. He also attended one year at the International School of Theology in Port-au-Prince. In 2016, he was added to the faculty at IST. Brother Alain loved teaching the courses on the Life of Christ, from the gospels. He planted the church in Christ-Roi and served as the local evangelist for many years. He served the church without pay and supported his family as a carpenter.

Brother Alain will truly be missed, even though we know he is in a far better place and his battle is over. Please remember his family and the congregation in your prayers.

After Troy and Andrea Spradlin arrived in Paraguay in February 2010 to serve as missionaries, they began to access the work to see where they would best be able to serve. Troy soon identified a need for comprehensive discipleship training among the Paraguayans. A plan was soon put into motion to open a Bible school in order to teach the brethren in their native language and culture. Bob Turner and Donnie Bates with Bear Valley Bible Institute were essential in assisting with the process, logistics, and participation for opening the school. On March 11, 2013 the Asuncion Bible Academy opened its doors and began with five eager students. Three of those students went on to graduate in February 2015. The school continued with a second class of five students and four of them graduated in January 2017. Over the course of four years, Bear Valley provided numerous teachers, support, and materials for the operation of the school. The Bible Academy closed its doors after the last graduation and in February the Spradlins returned to the USA where they are now serving at the Margaret Street church of Christ.

However, the work that was accomplished through the Bible Academy continues to bear fruit for the Lord. One of the former students has relocated to a town in Southern Paraguay and has planted the church there. One of the recent graduates has relocated to Brazil and is currently serving as a missionary intern (with plans to serve as a full-time missionary afterward). The other five graduates have remained in Asuncion and are preaching and/or teaching in either the Avenida Sacramento, or San Lorenzo, congregations. The materials and supplies that were acquired and used during the four years the Bible Academy was in operation are now being used for training disciples in a Saturday school hosted by the San Lorenzo church of Christ. It is our hope that the Asuncion Bible Academy will open its doors once again when the Lord deems it necessary and more disciples will be trained in their native language and culture of Paraguay.

Students kicked off their second year of studies during the hottest months of the year at the extension school in Paraguay. Currently at this time of the year South America experiences daily highs averaging around 95 degree Fahrenheit. As the school continues to move forward Troy and Andrea Spradlin look to make a trip home and report on the mission work in Paraguay starting the month of March.

Travel Dates:

March 21-27: “Blitz Week” - Bear Valley COC, Denver, CO.

April 3: Dripping Springs COC, Dripping Springs, TX

April 10: Carriage Oaks COC, Bossier City, LA

April 17: Poolville COC, Poolville, TX

April 24: Central Avenue COC, Valdosta, GA

May 1: Palm Beach Lakes COC, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

May 15: Margaret Street COC, Milton, FL

May 22: Jay COC, Jay, FL

In other developments at the Asuncion Bible Academy the local congregation will be actively searching for the next Director of the Bible Academy during the course of 2016. That means the Spradlins will return to Florida in March of 2017 and continue with their ministry. During their time in South America Troy Spradlin authored a Bible study workbook for Spanish speakers titled Fundamentals of Faith. They hope to also make available an English version of this Bible study.

As always the Bear Valley Bible Institute is thankful to our Lord for the work the Spradlins have done in South America and the work they will continue to do in the years to come. Please check with us from time to time as we will continue to post updates on the Asuncion Bible Academy and other extension schools from around the world.

These last 12 months, 2015, have been a ground breaking year for the extension program in Paraguay using video conferencing technology. Along with the previous core of instructors this was the first year we were able to add native Spanish speakers to the list of instructors. This was something that took some time to plan and assimilate. With the input of the the director of the extension school in Paraguay Troy Spradlin and the technology was available to broadcast these courses over the internet we were very blessed that it worked effectively. What has been created is a portable unit with the equipment necessary to connect and transmit these short courses. A long list of protocols were created to assist the instructors in order to troubleshoot any technical difficulties that may take place during the course of instruction as well as training to use the software. Thankfully all that was done worked very well.

For 2016 Enrique Morales and Osvaldo Rodriquez, from the Dallas Ft. Worth area, are slated to teach more courses that will prepare the church in the years to come. Troy Spradlin informs us that the current student body was very grateful to be taught in their native tongue by these two faithful men.

In addition, we are also thankful for Dan Owen who taught a fundamentals course live from Paducah, KY earlier in 2015. Newcomer Zane Copeland from Oklahoma in late-2015 expressed interest in teaching in South America and is slated to arrive in Asuncion January of 2017.

Other news:

Flooding in Asuncion, Paraguay:

The latest media reports indicate that Paraguay and other parts of South America continue to deal with some of the worst flooding in recent decades. Tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes and have set up makeshift wood and tin shelters in open spaces. The Paraguayan government has declared a state of emergency in Asuncion and in several regions. However, we have been informed that that church is doing well according to Troy Spradlin. However, it is those, not the church, that live in Asuncion along the river have been affected. Please keep these souls in your prayers.

Also, we want to thank all of our supporters and wish you a wonderful 2016!

For the month of October the extension program in Paraguay will have back to back short courses in the form of video conferencing. We are thankful to our Lord for making this technology available in order to teach His word to our students in South America. For the week of October 12th, Enrique Gonzales has taken the responsibility to teach on the topic of the New Testament church. This is Enrique's second time teaching a short course this year for the extension program in Paraguay and has done a fantastic job. During the week of October 19th Osvaldo Rodriquez will also make use of the mobile video conferencing system from the Iglesia de Cristo church building in Cleburne, Tx and will teach on the Book of Joshua. He recently made a trip to Central America to teach at the extension school in Guatemala City know as the Instituto Teológico Latinoamericano or ITL.

This is a major mile stone for the future of the Latin American extension program as we continue to fine tune the use of this technology to train the men and women of the Lord's church.

Enrique Morales

Osvaldo Rodriguez

We are excited and very blessed to have both of these faithful men teach these courses in their native tongue of Spanish.

The short course schedule for the Academia Biblica in Asuncion Paraguay started mid-April for the extension program in South America. Short courses consist of 30 hours during a five day period in which instructors are able to teach via video conferencing or travel to Paraguay. One of our newest instructors is a 2012 Brown Trail graduate Enrique Morales who resides in the Dallas Ft. Worth Area. Bro. Enrique was able to teach at our video conferencing Texas site at the Rylie St church of Christ building located in South Dallas. Enrique commented that being able to teach through video conferencing was a great opportunity to teach the Scriptures without the cost of having to travel. The Director for the Brown Trail School of preaching Spanish department Bro. Willie Alvarenga expressed his deep confidence in Enrique without any reservations, saying that he is a faithful gospel preacher and teacher of God's word. He has a passion for teaching and will always take advantage of opportunities to teach and preach sound doctrine.

Also, we are thankful to the Lord for the elders of the Rylie St church for allowing us to use their facilities and internet services in order to teach our extension students in Paraguay. Bro. Morales taught a short course on the cost of being a disciple and is the Spanish speaking preacher at the Waterview Iglesia de Cristo located in Richardson, TX.

Darvin Alvarez from Guatemala just finished teaching the second short course of the year. We look to have the latest report in the next few days.

Help us spread the word about this great work in South America and share this post with others.

What began as a mission field less than a decade ago for a handful of American missionaries, is now seeing the fruits of their labors after years of hard work in Asuncion, Paraguay. So often it is reported that when foreign missionaries return home the congregations they leave behind begin to face an up hill battle in an effort to keep on laboring for the Kingdom. However, for the three existing congregations in Asuncion, Paraguay there is now a step in the right direction in order to keep the work moving forward. On February 7th the congregation located on Sacramento and España graduated the first of what we pray will be many Bible students from the Academia Biblica under the Bear Valley Bible Institute – International extension program.

This is a program that has revolutionized the way the saints of the Lord's church are now being equipped with God's word on their very own soil. Those that were in attendance, primarily from the three local congregations, to witness this graduating class of three was filled to capacity as they were greeted at the door and welcomed. What is primarily the area used for church services became the stage where William Abelardo Arzamendia, Karen Alexandra Gimenez Acosta, and Ramón Paredes would receive their diplomas. One of the two diplomas would come via special delivery from the Bear Valley Bible Institute and the other from the Academia Biblica in Asuncion. As the ceremony began, Troy Spradlin, the director of the school defined the purpose behind school. Simply put, he stated that the purpose for school was not for generating diplomas, but to equip the saints in order to share the message of the Gospel (2 Tim 2:2, 3:16,17). Those that participated in the ceremony were students as well as instructors dressed in traditional black cap and gown. The students wore the blue ribbon while the instructors could be identified with the red ribbon around the shoulders as well as the tassel hanging from their cap.

Instructors:

Ike Yegros - Paraguay

Troy Spradlin - USA

Perry Hardin - USA

Jorge Vera - Paraguay

Eliezer Perez – Guatemala

Luis M. Camacho - USA

A very special thanks to Andrea Spradlin who organized graduation night and, with the help of many, was able to help make it a memorable moment. Also in attendance was Karen Parker Bennett from the state of Georgia USA who made a special trip to South America, not only to show her support for this great night, but also to help out in the preparations of the ceremony. What we hope you will be able to get out of this report is how amazingly the Lord works when we all work together to train the Lord's saints.

We are very grateful to our Lord for all the progress that has taken place in 2014. Troy and Andrea Spradlin operate at a very efficient and high level to meet the needs of the church in Paraguay. In addition, as 2014 comes to an end and a new year approaches we strive to improve in the efficiency and effectiveness of the extension program in Asunción, Paraguay to glorify our Savior.

The current class is composed of three students.26 year William Arzamendia from Argentina. He is involved in numerous Bible studies and has the aspirations to return to his country and serve as a youth minister. During the week he has three personal studies.

Ramon Paredes is a native Paraguayan who recently married Elvira Dominguez earlier this year. His native language is Guarani which give the church another demographic in order to be able to reach souls for the Kingdom. Ramon is 27 years old.

Karen Giminez is a the only female in this first graduating class. She is a member of the congregation located in Centro. Missionary reports state that her mother was among some of the first converts in Paraguay. She is quiet and intensely dedicated to her studies. She is 26 years old.

Video Conferencing:We are looking forward to the upcoming year due to the most recent upgrade. Instructors for the extension program will be able to teach stateside through the use of the recent installation of a video conferencing equipment in Paraguay. Fifty percent of the short courses will be taught over the internet and the rest of courses will be taught in Paraguay. The advantage with this technology is that this gives us the opportunity to step in at a moments notice in the event of a cancellation by an instructor.

Incoming Students: The Bible Academy staff is looking forward to having 11 possible students enrolled for the 2015 Beta class. Two of these students is a married couple from Costa Rica who have spent some time this summer in Paraguay getting acquainted with the church in Asunción. The 11 students that are expected to be enrolled in 2015 is the result of a lot hard work and dedication from the extension school administration.

2015 Short Course Schedule: Troy Spradlin the director of the extension school has completed the 2015 class schedule. Since the start of this program in Asuncion the schedule included only 4 extension courses lasting 5 days. For 2015, the count has doubled from 4 to 8 extension courses and will hopefully include more Spanish speaking instructors to the rotation. That will allow us to teach in Paraguay's most commonly used language, Spanish, and make the most of the time spent teaching with out the need of a translator.

Area Congregations:There are three congregations located in the Asuncion area. The following numbers are approximations.

Asuncion: 70 membersCentro: 25 membersÑemby: 20-30 members

Asuncion, Paraguay is located 5,426 miles from Denver and was founded in 1537 by Spanish conquistadores. The extension school in Paraguay is know as the Academia Bíblica located on Avenida Sacramento 650 c/España.

Evangelistic Efforts:Paraguay is reporting thirteen baptisms for 2014 seven of which the students were actively involved in over the past eight months. There is no count as to how many total personal Bible studies each or all students were involved in 2014. As for gatherings and various activities there is a total of thirty. Finally, there were also a total of four campaigns composed of one door knocking campaign around Avenida Sacramento, two survey trips for future church plants, and one service campaign.

Just recently I returned from Paraguay a country located between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil in the South American continent. Like many Latin American countries, it is a country that moves at it's own pace from sunrise to sunset and into the late hours. However, every Monday morning during each quarter of the school year for the extension program the day begins for William, Ramon, and Karen. They are the three students enrolled at Academia Biblica located inside a home turned into a church building built back in the 1950's. This first and soon to be graduating class has spent the better part of two years on the second floor in a class room setting meeting the requirements of the school curriculum. During this recent trip, I was blessed with the opportunity to have been able to teach on the subject of denominational doctrines. In a span of 5 days and 30 plus hours of instruction, a large amount of information was disseminated to hopefully give this first graduating class the knowledge on the many doctrinal areas they will have to deal with in the future as they spread the message of the Gospel. What makes this setting in Asuncion, Paraguay so interesting is that as the Bear Valley Extension program strives to prepare the next generation of Christians, each graduating student will be well equipped to stand firm in the faith. To make a comparison, I believe that it is one thing to teach someone to swim but it is another thing to make someone drown proof. It is our prayer that they will graduate with the education and tools to be able to move forward in active service for the Kingdom.

Also taking into account, is the contribution of missionaries like Troy and Andrea Spradlin to every graduating class. This gives them a better chance of surviving the challenges that will come in the future. It is obvious that the biblical training provided is a key component to the survivability and sustainability of the work currently in Asuncion.

In addition to the biblical training that is taking place, the doors are constantly opening with the opportunity to further the Kingdom in other areas. Upon arriving I was invited to a Bible study in an area called San Jose de los Arroyos (arroyos - streams). This is a remote area located two hours west of Asuncion and is also the birth place of a member of the church who teaches and preaches in one of the three congregations in Paraguay called Ñemby. As we traveled with Bro. Vicente Villamayor it became known that our brother in Christ searched for the Lord's church for 15 years before he became a Christian. Upon arriving in the San Jose de los Arroyos we were greeted by the men of the village. We shared the Scriptures as we all sat peacefully and listened as they spoke their native tongue of Guarani. What was particularly impressive about this trip was what transpired after we left. One of the men had contacted Vicente to ask if we were upset because the study was cut short due to an important village meeting that afternoon. The impressive part about is that they welcomed us to come back because of their interest to hear more of God's word.

As with any work keep them all in your prayers as there are many areas all over the world that can still be reached with the precious message of the Gospel of Christ, particularly in Paraguay.

The extension program located in Asuncion, Paraguay has progressed very well over the last three months and more developments are soon to come. We hope that the information below will encourage everyone to keep this work in your prayers as we continue to work to reach the lost in Paraguay and neighboring countries. To God be the Glory!

The Video Conferencing system: We are very hopeful that the equipment necessary to teach courses from the US to Paraguay via the internet will be fully functional before the end of the year. Please note that sometimes things operate at a different pace in South America. However, having this capability will allow us to teach when the opportunity presents itself.

Incoming Students: The Bible Academy staff is looking forward to having 11 possible students enrolled for the 2015 Beta class. Two of these students is a married couple from Costa Rica who have spent some time in Paraguay getting acquainted with the church in Asuncion. The 11 students that are expected to be enrolled in 2015 is the result of a lot hard work and dedication from the extension school administration.

New Schedule: Troy Spradlin the director of the extension school is working on the 2015 class schedule. Since the start of this program in Asuncion the schedule included only 4 extension course lasting one week. For 2015 we hope to double that from 4 to 8 extension courses and include more Spanish speaking instructors to the rotation. That will allow us to teach in Paraguay's most commonly used language and make the most of the time spent teaching with out the need of a translator.

English Course: One of disadvantageous of the church in Latin America is the amount of theological literature written in Spanish. In the preaching schools found in the United States these institutions are equipped with publications such as theological periodicals, journals, commentaries, and lexicons.

Usually, the most common answer to this problem of not having sufficient literature in Spanish is having someone take the time to translate this information. Unfortunately, that takes time, resources, and practice to do a quality job.

It has been proposed to the Bear Valley extension program that in order to make more information available to the students to consider teaching English as a second language. We will update this information as it becomes available.

Other information:There are three congregations located in the Asuncion area.

Asuncion: 70 membersCentro: 25 membersÑemby: 20-30 members

Asuncion, Paraguay is located 5,426 miles from Denver and was founded in 1537 by Spanish conquistadores. The extension school in Paraguay is know as the Academia Bíblica located on Avenida Sacramento 650 c/España.

Please keep my family in your prayers as I will be traveling to Paraguay to teach an extension course, denominational doctrines, at the end of October.

The future of the extension school in Paraguay continues to move forward. Troy Spradlin and his wife Andrea have returned to South America after a few weeks in the United States after raising the support needed to fund the up and coming Beta class of 2015. What that means is, incoming students that need the support will have the funding to be able to study at the academy in Asuncion and hopefully become an asset to the future of the church not just in Paraguay but Latin America. Brother Spradlin has informed us that there is funding for at least 5 full time students and that is good news. Please note that the cost of each student is $300 per month.

In addition to the funding we are hopeful that the proposed video conferencing system will be up and running sometime in the next 30-45 days. Once installation is complete, this will give us the flexibility to teach more classes through the internet. In order to complement this upgrade the extension school administration also has plans to improve the class room environment for the purpose of instruction to replace the plastic tables with something more suitable for each student. This is currently in the works and more information will be made public as it becomes available.

We have also been informed that an open house for the academy in Asuncion is slated for the week of August the 25th. The school will take this opportunity to invite potential students, explain the purpose behind the school and expectations. This is an excellent opportunity for members of the Lord's church to seriously consider growing in the knowledge of the Scriptures in order to teach others.

Please consider that all these areas mentioned play an important role to the future of the Lord's work in Paraguay. There is a lot of work that goes into each area in order for the school to be able to operate effectively. For that matter, keep this work in your daily prayers and consider being a part of this mission for our Lord and Savior.

We would like to thank two of our instructors that taught this summer in Paraguay: Gary Fallis and Denton Landon. May the Lord continue to bless both of you.

One of the benefits of training students under the Bear Valley Extension Program in Latin America is that not only do graduates remain in their native country, but they can also relocate to other Spanish speaking countries to spread the message of the Gospel. Such is the case for brother Eliezer Perez a 2013 graduate from the Theological Institute of Latin America or I.T.L located in Guatemala city. During Eliezer's tenure at I.T.L a group of students had the opportunity in 2012 to form part of a three week door knocking campaign for the church in Ñemby (pronounced Nim-Buh) located 30 minutes south of Asuncion, Paraguay. Door knocking campaigns are not only an opportunity for students to sow the seed of the Gospel of Christ, but also a hands on training ground for future preaching students. As a result of this campaign Eliezer became familiar with the work in Asuncion and according to brother Troy Spradlin, “loved it.” A bond between the brethren formed and the men of the church offered Eliezer a position under a two year commitment to work in Paraguay as a full time missionary. Therefore, since this is only a two year commitment it is our prayer that Eliezer will be able to extend his stay in Paraguay to not only evangelize but to fulfill his desire to teach at the Asuncion Bible Academy on a full time basis. Contingent upon Eliezer being able to stay that would solve half of our teaching needs.

On the other hand, we are hopeful in the Lord that the other solution to our teaching needs at the Asuncion Bible Academy can be remedied by being able to teach via video conferencing. After a few email exchanges between Bob Turner, Director of Extension Centers, the equipment was approved and is being assembled by Craig Wisner. I am confident that this will be an efficient and smooth process with the help of Troy Spradlin since he also has professional experience in audio and video equipment installation prior to his preaching career. Once the video conferencing equipment is installed this will give all of the instructors in the United States one more avenue to train preachers.

In addition to our teaching needs, what started out as a grim outlook at the start of the year, we now have word from the Asuncion Bible Academy in Paraguay that there are now a total of eight prospective students for 2015. That is an increase of two from the last report.

Therefore, add to your prayers the need for instructors, the video conferencing equipment, and the prospective students for 2015. Lord willing this and the future class of graduates will be able to reach some of the 6.5 million souls that call Paraguay home.

One of the benefits of training students under the Bear Valley Extension Program in Latin America is that not only do graduates remain in their native country, but they can also relocate to other Spanish speaking countries to spread the message of the Gospel. Such is the case for Bro. Eliezer Perez a 2013 graduate from the Theological Institute of Latin America or I.T.L located in Guatemala city. During Eliezer's tenure at I.T.L a group of students had the opportunity in 2012 to form part of a three week door knocking campaign for the church in Ñemby (pronounced Nim-Buh) located 30 minutes south of Asuncion, Paraguay. Door knocking campaigns are not only an opportunity for students to sow the seed of the Gospel of Christ, but also a hands on training ground for future preaching students. As a result of this campaign Eliezer became familiar with the work in Asuncion and according to Bro. Troy Spradlin, “loved it”. A bond between the brethren formed and the men of the church offered Eliezer a position under a two year commitment to work in Paraguay as a full time missionary. Therefore, since this is only a two year commitment it is our prayer that Eliezer will be able to extend his stay in Paraguay to not only evangelize but to fulfill his desire to teach at the Asuncion Bible Academy on a full time basis. Contingent upon Eliezer being able to stay that would solve half of our teaching needs.

On the other hand, we are hopeful in the Lord that the other solution to our teaching needs at the Asuncion Bible Academy can be remedied by being able to teach via video conferencing. After a few email exchanges between Bob Turner, Director of Extension Centers, the equipment was approved and is being assembled by Craig Wisner. I am confident that this will be an efficient and smooth process with the help of Troy Spradlin since he also has professional experience in audio and video equipment installation prior to his preaching career. Once the video conferencing equipment is installed this will give all of the instructors in the United States one more avenue to train preachers.

In addition to our teaching needs, what started out as a grim outlook at the start of the year, we now have word from the Asuncion Bible Academy in Paraguay that there are now a total of eight prospective students for 2015. That is an increase of two from the last report.

Therefore, add to your prayers the need for instructors, the video conferencing equipment, and the prospective students for 2015. Lord willing this and the future class of graduates will be able to reach some of the 6.5 million souls that call Paraguay home.

The future looks bright for the Asuncion Bible Academy in Paraguay, South America. Just recently we were informed of a dwindling first year graduating class and no prospective students for 2015. However, much of that has changed within the last 30 days. There were talks that if enrollment dropped the remaining students would meet for Saturday school. The good news is that the first year class will continue on the set course of meeting Monday through Friday. The first year class is small; there are currently three students that are part of the Alpha class. As for incoming students for 2015, there is the possibility that enrollment may double. After a conversation with the academy’s director, Troy Spradlin, there are now three confirmed students for 2015 with the possibility of three more. The three confirmed students for the following year consist of a Christian couple from Costa Rica and the daughter of a church member in Asuncion. The other three students consist of a church member that is looking to retire and two souls that recently obeyed the Gospel in Asuncion.

However, although there is progress on the horizon, it is not without some challenges. There is the possibility that one of the current missionaries in Asuncion may be returning home to the United States with his family. As of yet, there is no commitment for 2015 which means that the academy quite possibly will be with one less instructor. Logistically speaking, every instructor teaches three courses. Therefore, brother Spradlin is requesting help in the form of instructors from the Bear Valley Bible Institute to teach some of these courses.

One of the other challenges is the financial side of the academy. The academy currently is able to provide scholarships for each student to meet personal expenses at $300 per month. Therefore, with the possibility that there may be six students for the incoming class of 2015, the academy will need $1800 per month in order to financially help each individual student.

What does this all mean? It is amazing how quickly the Lord is able to bless and now we face a different set of challenges. We are excited to hear of the number of students that have their sight set on attending the academy in Asuncion. Brother Spradlin will be coming home to the United States to raise support for the work in Paraguay towards the end of April. It is our prayer that the instructors that are part of the Bear Valley Bible Institute will be able to teach the upcoming courses for 2015. Finally, we will be praying that the Lord will provide for the financial support that is needed to help the brethren gain the biblical knowledge to further the Kingdom at the Asuncion Bible Academy in Paraguay, South America. If you are able to financially support this work please contact the Bear Valley Bible Institute.

On a personal note, it is my observation that the time to evangelize Paraguay is now. It is my personal prayer that I will be able to spend 1-2 months out of the year along with my family to evangelize this country staring in 2015. I firmly believe that there is that much potential to invest the time to reach many souls for the Kingdom in South America.